Add parallel Print Page Options

A, i a raua e korero ana ki te iwi, ka puta ohorere mai ki a raua nga tohunga, te rangatira o te temepara me nga Haruki,

He nui te pawera mo ta raua ako i te iwi, mo te kauwhau hoki i runga i a Ihu i te aranga mai i te hunga mate.

Na ka mau o ratou ringa ki a raua, meinga ana kia tiakina kia ao ra ano te ra, i te mea hoki kua ahiahi.

Otira he tokomaha o te hunga i rongo i te kupu i whakapono, a ko te tokomaha o nga tangata me te mea e rima mano.

Na i te aonga ake ka huihui o ratou rangatira, nga kaumatua, me nga karaipi ki Hiruharama,

Ratou ko te tino tohunga, ko Anaha, ko Kaiapa, ko Hoani, ko Arehanara, me nga whanaunga katoa o te tohunga nui.

A, no ka whakaturia raua ki waenganui, ka ui ratou, Tena koa te mana, te ingoa ranei, i meatia ai tenei e korua?

Katahi a Pita, ki tonu i te Wairua Tapu, ka mea ki a ratou, E nga rangatira o te iwi, e nga kaumatua, o Iharaira.

Mehemea ki te uiuia maua aianei mo te mahi pai i mahia ki te tangata haua, i peheatia taua tangata i ora ai;

10 Kia mohio koutou katoa, me te iwi katoa o Iharaira, na te ingoa o Ihu Karaiti o Nahareta, i ripekatia na e koutou, i whakaarahia ra e te Atua i te hunga mate, nana tenei i tu ora ai i to koutou aroaro.

11 Ko ia te kohatu i whakakahoretia na e koutou, e nga kaihanga, a kua meinga nei hei mo te kokonga.

12 Kahore hoki he ora i tetahi atu: kahore hoki he ingoa ke atu i raro o te rangi kua homai ki nga tangata, e ora ai tatou.

13 Na ka kite ratou i te maia o Pita raua ko Hoani, a ka matau ki a raua ehara i te mea whakaako, engari he hunga kuware, ka miharo ratou; ka mohio hoki he hoa raua no Ihu.

14 Ka kite hoki i te tangata i whakaorangia e tu tahi ana ratou, kahore rawa i taea tetahi kupu whakahe ma ratou.

15 Na ka tono ratou i a raua kia haere i waho o te runanga, a ka korerorero ki a ratou ano,

16 Ka mea, Me aha e tatou enei tangata? ka kite katoa nei hoki te hunga e noho ana i Hiruharama, he merekara nui kua meinga nei, a e kore e ahei te whakakorekore e tatou.

17 Otiia, kia kaua ai e horapa atu ki roto ki te iwi, kia kaha ta tatou whakawehi i a raua, kei korero ki tetahi tangata a muri nei i runga i tenei ingoa.

18 A karangatia ana raua e ratou, ka mea ki a raua, Kia kaua rawa e korero, kia kaua e whakaako, i runga i te ingoa o Ihu.

19 Na ka whakahoki a Pita raua ko Hoani ki a ratou, ka mea, Whakaaroa e koutou, ka tika ranei ki te aroaro o te Atua ko koutou kia whakarangona, kaua te Atua?

20 E kore hoki e ahei kia kaua e korerotia e maua nga mea i kite ai, i rongo ai matou.

21 Heoi whakawehi ana ano ratou i a raua, a tukua ana kia haere, kihai hoki i kitea he mea e whiua ai raua, i wehi i te iwi: i whakakororia katoa nei nga tangata i te Atua mo taua mea i meatia;

22 No te mea kua neke atu i te wha tekau nga tau o te tangata i meinga nei ki a ia tenei merekara whakaora.

23 A ka oti raua te tuku, ka haere ki o raua hoa, a korerotia ana nga mea katoa i korero ai nga tohunga nui me nga kaumatua ki a raua.

24 A, i to ratou rongonga, ka karanga ake ratou ki te Atua, he kotahi te reo, ka mea, E te Ariki, nau nei i hanga te rangi me te whenua, te moana, me o reira mea katoa:

25 Nau te kupu i korerotia e te Wairua Tapu, na te mangai o to matou matua, o tau pononga, o Rawiri, He aha ka nana ai nga Tauiwi, ka whakaaro horihori ai nga iwi?

26 I whakatika ake nga kingi o te whenua, i huihui ngatahi nga rangatira, ki te whawhai ki te Ariki raua ko tana Karaiti.

27 He pono nei hoki te huihuinga ki tenei pa o Herora, o Ponotia Pirato, o nga Tauiwi, ratou ko te iwi o Iharaira, ki tau Tama tapu, ki a Ihu i whakawahia nei e koe,

28 Ki te mea i ta tou ringa, i ta tou whakaaro i whakatakoto ai i mua kia meatia.

29 Na, titiro iho, e te Ariki, aianei ki a ratou kupu whakawehi: tukua mai hoki ki au pononga kia tino maia te korero i tau kupu,

30 Ko koe ia e totoro mai ana tou ringa ki te whakaora; kia meatia hoki te tohu, he mea whakamiharo i runga i te ingoa o tau Pononga tapu, o Ihu.

31 I te mutunga o ta ratou inoi, ka ngaueue te wahi i mine ai ratou, a ki katoa ratou i te Wairua Tapu, na, maia noa atu ratou ki te korero i te kupu a te Atua.

32 Kotahi ano ngakau, kotahi ano wairua o te mano o te hunga whakapono: kihai ano tetahi o ratou i mea, mana ake tetahi o ana taonga; heoi he mea huihui a ratou mea katoa.

33 A nui atu te kaha i whakapuakina ai e nga apotoro te aranga o te Ariki, o Ihu; he nui ano te aroha noa i runga i a ratou katoa.

34 Kahore hoki tetahi o ratou i hapa: ko te hunga hoki he kainga, he whare o ratou, hokona atu ana e ratou, a mauria ana mai nga utu o nga mea i hokona,

35 Whakatakotoria ana ki nga waewae o nga apotoro: na ka tuwhaina ma ia tangata, ma ia tangata, he mea whakarite ki te mate o ia tangata.

36 A ko Hohi i huaina e nga apotoro ko Panapa, ko te tikanga tenei ina whakamaoritia, ko te Tama a te whakamarietanga, he Riwaiti, ko Kaiperu tona kainga,

37 He wahi whenua tona, na hokona atu ana, mauria ana nga moni, whakatakotoria ana ki nga waewae o nga apotoro.

Na ko tetahi tangata ko Anania tona ingoa, raua ko tana wahine, ko Hapaira, i hoko atu i tetahi whenua;

A puritia ana e ia tetahi wahi o te utu, ko tana wahine hoki i mohio ki taua mea huna, mauria ana tetahi wahi, whakatakotoria ana ki nga waewae o nga apotoro.

Na ko te meatanga atu a Pita, E Anania, na te aha i whakakiia ai tou ngakau e Hatana kia teka koe ki te Wairua Tapu, kia puritia atu ai tetahi wahi o te utu o te whenua?

I te mea kahore ano i riro, he teka ianei nau ake tau mea? a ka oti te hoko tikanga? na te aha tenei mea i whakaaroa ai i roto i tou ngakau? kihai hoki koe i teka ki te tangata, engari ki te Atua.

A, no te rongonga o Anania i enei kupu, hinga ana ki raro, mate rawa: he nui ano te wehi i tau ki te hunga katoa i rongo i enei mea.

Na ka whakatika nga taitamariki, takai ana i a ia, a maua atu ana ia ki waho, tanumia ana.

A, patata ki te toru haora i muri, ka tomo mai tana wahine, kihai hoki i mohio he aha te mea kua meatia.

Na ko te meatanga a Pita ki a ia, Korero mai ki ahau, ko te utu ranei tera i hokona atu ai e korua te whenua? ka mea ia, Ae, koia tena.

Ka mea a Pita ki a ia, he aha korua i whakaaro tahi ai ki te whakamatautau i te Wairua o te Ariki? Nana, kei te kuwaha nga waewae o te hunga i tanumia ai tau tane, ma ratou koe e kawe ki waho.

10 Na hinga tonu iho ia ki ona waewae, hemo rawa: a, ko te tomonga mai o nga taitamariki, rokohanga mai kua mate, na kawea ana ia ki waho, tanumia ana ki te taha o tana tane.

11 A nui atu te wehi o te hahi katoa, o te hunga katoa ano i rangona ai enei mea.

12 A na nga ringa o nga apotoro i mahi nga tohu maha, me nga mea whakamiharo, i roto i te iwi; i noho hoki ratou katoa ki te whakamahau o Horomona, kotahi ano te whakaaro.

13 Tena ko era atu tangata kihai rawa tetahi i maia ki te whakauru mai ki a ratou: otira whakanuia ana ratou e te iwi.

14 A he nui noa atu te hunga whakapono i honoa mai ki te Ariki, tona tino te tane, o te wahine.

15 Na reira hoki ka mauria e ratou nga turoro ki nga ara, whakatakotoria ana ki runga i nga moenga, i nga whariki, me kore noa e taumarumaru iho ki tetahi o ratou te atarangi o Pita, i a ia e haere ana.

16 I hui katoa mai ano te mano i nga pa katoa e patata ana ki Hiruharama, me te mau mai i nga turoro, i te hunga e whakaporeareatia ana e nga wairua poke; a whakaorangia ana ratou katoa.

17 Me i reira ka whakatika te tohunga nui ratou ko ona hoa katoa, ara te wehenga ki nga Haruki, ki tonu hoki ratou i te hae,

18 A ka pa o ratou ringa ki nga apotoro, maka ana ratou ki te whare herehere nui.

19 Otira na tetahi anahera a te Ariki i uaki nga tatau o te whare herehere i te po; arahina mai ana ratou e ia ki waho, ka mea,

20 Haere, e tu i roto i te temepara, ka korero ki te iwi i nga kupu katoa o tenei ora.

21 A ka rongo ratou i tenei, ka tomo ki te temepara i te atatu, ka whakaako. Na ko te haerenga o te tohunga nui ratou ko ona hoa, karangatia ana kia huihui te runanga me nga kaumatua katoa o nga tama a Iharaira, a tonoa ana he tangata ki te whare h erehere hei tiki i a ratou.

22 Otira, ko nga katipa i tae mai, kihai i kite i a ratou i roto i te whare herehere, na ka hoki mai, ka korero.

23 Ka mea, Rokohina atu e matou e tutaki tonu ana te whare herehere u tonu, me nga kaitiaki e tu ana i waho o nga tatau; no te huakanga atu, kahore he tangata i kitea e matou i roto.

24 A, no ka rongo te rangatira o te temepara ratou ko nga tohunga nui ki enei kupu, ka pororaru ratou, he aha ra te tukunga iho o taua mea.

25 Na ko te haerenga mai o tetahi, ka korero ki a ratou, ka mea, Nana, ko te hunga i maka ra e koutou ki te whare herehere, e tu mai nei i te temepara, e whakaako ana i te iwi.

26 Katahi ka haere te rangatira ratou ko nga katipa, a arahina mai ana ratou, otira kihai i taka kinotia; i wehi hoki ratou i te iwi, kei akina ratou ki te kohatu.

27 A, ka oti ratou te arahi mai, ka whakaturia ki mua i te runanga: na ka ui te tohunga nui ki a ratou,

28 Ka mea, Kihai ianei matou i ata whakatupato i a koutou kia kaua e whakaako i runga i tenei ingoa? na, kua ki nei Hiruharama i ta koutou whakaakoranga, a e mea ana koutou kia whakairia nga toto o tenei tangata ki runga i a matou.

29 Na ka whakahoki a Pita ratou ko nga apotoro, ka mea, Me whakarongo ra matou ki te Atua, kaua ki te tangata.

30 Na te Atua o o tatou tupuna i whakaara ake a Ihu, i whakamatea na e koutou, he mea whakairi ki te rakau.

31 Kua oti ia te whakanoho e te ringa matau o te Atua ki runga, hei Piriniha, hei Kaiwhakaora, hei homai i te ripeneta, i te murunga hara ki a Iharaira.

32 Ko matou ano nga kaiwhakaatu i enei mea: ko te Wairua Tapu hoki, i homai nei e te Atua ki te hunga e rongo ana ki a ia.

33 Otira, i to ratou rongonga i tenei, tu tonu ki o ratou ngakau, a ka whakaaro kia whakamatea ratou.

34 Na ka whakatika tetahi o nga Parihi i roto i te runanga, ko Kamariera te ingoa, he kaiwhakaako i te ture, he tangata e whakanuia ana e te iwi katoa, ka mea, kia nekehia atu aua tangata ki waho mo tetahi wa poto nei.

35 Na ko tana meatanga ki a ratou, E nga tangata o Iharaira, kia tupato ki ta koutou e mea ai ki enei tangata.

36 I nga ra ki muri ka whakatika ake a Teura, me te whakaari i a ia, ko ia he tangata nui: piri atu ana ki a ia etahi tangata, patata ki te wha rau: na patua iho ia; a ko te hunga katoa i whakarongo ki a ia, whakamararatia atu ana, a kore ake.

37 A muri iho i taua tangata ka whakatika ake ko Hura o Kariri i nga ra o te tatauranga, a kumea atu ana e ia etahi o te iwi ki te whai i a ia; i ngaro ano hoki tena; a ko te hunga katoa i whakarongo ki a ia, whakamararatia atu ana.

38 Na ko taku kupu tenei ki a koutou, Kati te mea ki enei tangata, waiho noa iho ratou; ki te mea hoki na te tangata tenei whakaaro, tenei mahi, tera e whakakahoretia.

39 Otira mehemea na te Atua, e kore rawa e taea e koutou te whakakahore; kei tupono hoki e whawhai ke ana koutou ki te Atua.

40 A whakaae ana ratou ki a ia: na ka karangatia nga apotoro ki a ratou, ka whiua, ka whakatupatoria kia kaua rawa e korero i runga i te ingoa o Ihu, a tukua ana ratou kia haere.

41 Heoi haere hari atu ana ratou i te aroaro o te runanga, mo ratou kua meinga e pai ana kia whakataurekarekatia mo te Ingoa.

42 A, i nga ra katoa, i roto i te temepara, i nga kainga ranei, kahore e mutu ana ta ratou whakaako, ta ratou kauwhau i a Ihu, ko te Karaiti ia.

Na i aua ra, i te mea ka tokomaha haere nga akonga ka amuamu nga Hurai Kariki ki nga Hiperu, no te mea i mahue o ratou pouaru i nga tuwhanga mea o tenei ra, o tenei ra.

Katahi ka karangatia e te tekau ma rua te mano o nga akonga, ka mea, E kore e pai kia whakarerea e matou te kupu a te Atua, a kia mahi tepu.

No reira, e nga teina, tirohia mai i roto i a koutou kia tokowhitu nga tangata e korerotia paitia ana, e ki ana i te Wairua Tapu, i te matauranga, a ma matou ratou e whakatu ki tenei mahi.

Ko matou ia ka u tonu ki te inoi, ki te mahi i te kupu.

A pai katoa te mano ki taua korero: na whiriwhiria ana e ratou a Tepene, he tangata e ki ana i te whakapono, i te Wairua Tapu, ratou ko Piripi, ko Porokoru, ko Nikanora, ko Timona, ko Paramena, ko Nikora, he porohiraiti no Anatioka:

Na whakaturia ana ratou ki te aroaro o nga apotoro: ka inoi era, ka whakapa i nga ringa ki runga ki a ratou.

Heoi tupu ana te kupu a te Atua: tino nui haere ana te tokomaha o nga akonga i Hiruharama; a he ope nui o nga tohunga i tahuri mai ki te whakapono.

A, ko Tepene, ki tonu i te whakapono, i te mana, nui atu nga merekara me nga tohu i meatia e ia i roto i te iwi.

Na ka whakatika etahi o te whakaminenga, e kiia nei ko te whakaminenga o nga Riperetini, etahi hoki o te whakaminenga o te hunga o Hairini, o te hunga o Arehanaria, o te hunga hoki o Kirikia, o Ahia, ka totohe ki a Tepene.

10 Otira kihai i taea e ratou te tu atu ki tona matauranga me te wairua i korero ai ia.

11 Na ka whakakiki ratou i etahi tangata hei mea, I rongo matou i a ia e korero kohukohu ana mo Mohi, mo te Atua ano hoki.

12 Na ka tahuri ratou ki te whakaohooho i te iwi, i nga kaumatua, me nga karaipi hoki, na ka mau ia ia ratou, hopukia ana, kawea atu ana ki te runanga;

13 A whakaturia ana e ratou etahi kaiwhakapae teka, nana i mea, Kahore e mutu te korero kino a tenei tangata mo tenei kainga tapu, mo te ture hoki:

14 I rongo hoki matou ki a ia e mea ana, Ma tenei Ihu o Nahareta e whakangaro te kainga nei, e whakaputa ke hoki nga ritenga i homai e Mohi ki a tatou.

15 A, ko te hunga katoa e noho ana i te runanga, ka titiro pu ki a ia, ka kite i tona mata, ano he mata no te anahera.

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

The priests and the captain of the temple guard(A) and the Sadducees(B) came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.(C) They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail(D) until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew(E) to about five thousand.

The next day the rulers,(F) the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas,(G) John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,(H) said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!(I) If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame(J) and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,(K) whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead,(L) that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’[a](M)

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”(N)

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John(O) and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,(P) they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.(Q) 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin(R) and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?”(S) they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign,(T) and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.(U) 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?(V) You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking(W) about what we have seen and heard.”(X)

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people(Y) were praising God(Z) for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Believers Pray

23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.(AA) “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.(AB) 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:(AC)

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.[b][c](AD)

27 Indeed Herod(AE) and Pontius Pilate(AF) met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus,(AG) whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.(AH) 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.(AI) 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders(AJ) through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”(AK)

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.(AL) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit(AM) and spoke the word of God(AN) boldly.(AO)

The Believers Share Their Possessions

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.(AP) 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify(AQ) to the resurrection(AR) of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace(AS) was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them,(AT) brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet,(AU) and it was distributed to anyone who had need.(AV)

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas(AW) (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.(AX)

Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself,(AY) but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.(AZ)

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan(BA) has so filled your heart(BB) that you have lied to the Holy Spirit(BC) and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?(BD) Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?(BE) What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”(BF)

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.(BG) And great fear(BH) seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body,(BI) and carried him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”(BJ)

Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?(BK) Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died.(BL) Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.(BM) 11 Great fear(BN) seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

The Apostles Heal Many

12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders(BO) among the people. And all the believers used to meet together(BP) in Solomon’s Colonnade.(BQ) 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.(BR) 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.(BS) 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.(BT) 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.(BU)

The Apostles Persecuted

17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party(BV) of the Sadducees,(BW) were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.(BX) 19 But during the night an angel(BY) of the Lord opened the doors of the jail(BZ) and brought them out.(CA) 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”(CB)

21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates(CC) arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin(CD)—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there.(CE) So they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests(CF) were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people(CG) would stone them.

27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin(CH) to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,”(CI) he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”(CJ)

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!(CK) 30 The God of our ancestors(CL) raised Jesus from the dead(CM)—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.(CN) 31 God exalted him to his own right hand(CO) as Prince and Savior(CP) that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.(CQ) 32 We are witnesses of these things,(CR) and so is the Holy Spirit,(CS) whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious(CT) and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel,(CU) a teacher of the law,(CV) who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census(CW) and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.(CX) 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”(CY)

40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged.(CZ) Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing(DA) because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.(DB) 42 Day after day, in the temple courts(DC) and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news(DD) that Jesus is the Messiah.(DE)

The Choosing of the Seven

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing,(DF) the Hellenistic Jews[d](DG) among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows(DH) were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.(DI) So the Twelve gathered all the disciples(DJ) together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God(DK) in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters,(DL) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit(DM) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them(DN) and will give our attention to prayer(DO) and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen,(DP) a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit;(DQ) also Philip,(DR) Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed(DS) and laid their hands on them.(DT)

So the word of God spread.(DU) The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,(DV) and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs(DW) among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene(DX) and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia(DY) and Asia(DZ)—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.(EA)

11 Then they secretly(EB) persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”(EC)

12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.(ED) 13 They produced false witnesses,(EE) who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place(EF) and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place(EG) and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”(EH)

15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin(EI) looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 4:11 Psalm 118:22
  2. Acts 4:26 That is, Messiah or Christ
  3. Acts 4:26 Psalm 2:1,2
  4. Acts 6:1 That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,

23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.